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Government reaffirms commitment to Morocco and Mwenge flyovers, test flights at Msalato Airport set for mid-2025
What you need to know:
- The Msalato International Airport project is being financed through a $329.29 million loan agreement signed between the Government of Tanzania and the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Dodoma. The government has reiterated its commitment to addressing Dar es Salaam’s traffic congestion, revealing that the much-anticipated flyovers at Morocco and Mwenge are still on track, with financing arrangements expected to be finalised before July 2025.
At the same time, test flights at Msalato International Airport in Dodoma are scheduled to commence before June 30, 2025, as part of final-stage preparations ahead of the facility’s full operational launch.
The update was delivered by Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, during his inspection tour of key infrastructure projects in Dodoma on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
He confirmed that the construction of the two flyovers—part of the 2020–2025 CCM Election Manifesto—is progressing through advanced technical phases.
“These projects are crucial to easing the severe congestion at Morocco and Mwenge intersections in Dar es Salaam,” said Ulega. “We expect to complete all technical procedures by July. Once a contractor is selected, we will officially hand over the project and move to implementation.”
The flyovers are being financed through a concessional loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Funding and design finalisation planning underway
According to Jephaison Nnko, Project Director at the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), the projects are currently in the design finalisation stage. Once completed, the government will move to secure financing agreements with JICA.
“We’ve already progressed through ministerial-level reviews, and we are now finalising design documentation. Once that’s done, we’ll initiate the tendering process,” he said.
Aloyce Matei, Director of Roads at the Ministry of Works, confirmed that the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that JICA’s requirements are met and that the loan agreements are signed within the stipulated timeline.
Msalato Airport nears milestone
Minister Ulega also announced that test flights at the new Msalato International Airport will begin before the end of June 2025, as part of regulatory certification before the facility becomes fully operational.
To meet the contractual completion deadline of November 30, 2025, the minister instructed the contractor to increase the number of workers and implement round-the-clock shifts.
“We are committed to seeing this project delivered on time and to the highest quality standards. Both TAA [Tanzania Airports Authority] and TANROADS have been directed to work closely in supervising this project,” Ulega said.
He warned that no extensions would be granted and that contractors who delay projects without valid reasons—particularly where government funds are readily available—will be held liable for compensation.
“This policy applies to all national projects, including the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) initiative in Dar es Salaam. We cannot afford further delays,” he added.
Securing the future of Msalato Airport
Security challenges at the airport site, including theft of materials such as perimeter fence wires, have also come under scrutiny. Minister Ulega confirmed that arrests have been made and that additional measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the facility.
“The airport will be enclosed by a 41-kilometre electric fence to prevent intrusions and ensure aircraft safety during takeoff and landing,” he said. “This is about securing a major national investment.”
Abdul Mombokaleo, Director General of the Tanzania Airports Authority, confirmed that test flights are a regulatory requirement and must be completed before the airport opens to commercial operations.
“There are several procedural elements that need to be in place. Among them is the mandatory test flight, which will be conducted before June 30,” Mombokaleo explained.
Addressing labour concerns
Amid reports of long working hours and underpayment at the Msalato construction site, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule has stepped in, promising immediate action.
She announced that a labour officer from her office would visit the site the following Monday to engage directly with workers.
“If there are concerns about wages, working conditions, or labour rights, they must be addressed transparently. Workers also need to understand their rights and the regulations in place,” said Senyamule.
A multimillion-dollar investment
The Msalato International Airport project is being financed through a $329.29 million loan agreement signed between the Government of Tanzania and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in February 2020.
Once completed, the airport is expected to become a key transport and logistics hub for central Tanzania, easing pressure on Julius Nyerere International Airport and boosting Dodoma’s status as the country’s administrative capital.
